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Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is a national charity that takes young people between the ages of 8-24 on sailing trips to help them rebuild their confidence after cancer treatment and re-engage with education, employment and society.

The Trust was set up 15 years ago by internationally renowned yachtswomen Ellen MacArthur after she was invited to go sailing with a group of children with cancer, organised by French charity A Chacun son Cap. In Ellen’s own words this was the best days sailing she has ever had, realising there was no such charity in the UK she was inspired to set up something similar. Thus, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust was born.

Why we are needed…..

Today, 11 more children and young people will hear the devastating news that they have cancer. Only after treatment ends, and the doctors and nurses have done their work, can a young person start rebuilding their life. The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust provides the bridge between treatment and a young person seizing the future they may never imagined possible.

How does sailing work towards helping young people regain confidence?

The young people are initially invited to take part in a four-day sailing trip on yachts in the Solent on the South Coast of England or on the Firth of Clyde in Scotland, which are run throughout the summer holidays.

The atmosphere a boat creates has an incredibly positive effect on the young people, concentrating very much on what they can achieve rather than what they cannot. We have discovered that the maritime environment has immense power to re-engage young people, enabling them to get away from their illness and build new positive lives. We see them evolve from being quiet and introverted to being confident, fun loving and inspiring young people.

After the initial trip, the Trust annually invites them back to take part in other sailing events until they are 24. These events include Round the Island Race, a week-long residential week at the Bradwell outdoors Centre in Essex, Outdoor Adventure in Cornwall, Water Park in the Lake District and cruising in the West Coast of Scotland, and the East Coast of England.

Inviting the young people back to take part in other events enables the Trust to establish ongoing longer-term support that many young people need. Once the young people are over 24 we train those who are interested so they can return as volunteers.

For more information please visit:

Supporting the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust If you would like to get involved with the Trust as a supporter, donor, partner or volunteer please contact us:

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